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The 
Government Detective 



A Play in Four Acts 



By 

BERNARD FRANCIS MOORE 

Author of ''Belle, the Typewriter Girl,'' ''The Irish 

Agent ^' "Brother Against Brother,'' "Poverty 

Flats," "The Moonshiner's Daughter," 

"yudaxunia," etc. 



BOSTON 

WALTER H. BAKER & CO. 

1910 



P5 ^4^^ 
The Government Detective 



CHARACTERS 



Captain Wilbur Foster, a government detective ; under the 

assumed name of Paul Gray, a retired banker. 
John Arnold, the captain of a secret band of criminals. 
Martin Jackson, a wealthy young man. 
Alexander Adams, warden of the Jefferson Prison. 
Nick Morton, Foster's assistant. 
James Armstrong, a retired capitalist. 
Edwin Ray, his nephew. 
Peter, a clerk at the prison. 

Mrs. Laura Marston, a young widow, andjohti's sister. 
Clara Armstrong, James' daughter and heiress. 
Effie Jackson, Martin's sister. 
Mary, a servant. 

Time :— The present. Place :— Denver, Col. 

Act I. — Home of Mrs. Marston. The arrest. 
Act II.— The Jefferson Prison. The escape. 
Act III. — The cabin in the mountains. Foiled. 
Act IV.— The home of Martin Jackson. Pardoned. 




Copyright, 1910, by Walter H. Baker & Co. 
(gCI.D 21111 



^ COSTUMES 

Captain Wilbur. Acts I and IV. Dress suit, overcoat, 
hat and gloves. Acts II and III. Heavy suit, heavy overcoat, 
cap and gloves, gray wig and short gray beard. 

John. Act I. Dress suit. Acts II and III. Heavy suit 
and overcoat, cap and gloves. Act IV. Gray suit, overcoat, 
hat and gloves, black, moustache. 

I Martin. Acts I and IV. Dress suit, overcoat ; hat and 
gloves, in Act I only. Act II. Convict suit. Act III. 
Heavy suit, smooth face. 

Alexander. Black business suit, black short beard. 

Nick. Acts I, II and III. Black suit, overcoat, cap and 
gloves. Act IV. Dress suit, black moustache. 

James. Acts I and IV. Dress suit, hat and overcoat. 
I Act III. Dark suit, heavy overcoat, fur cap and gloves, gray 
'wig and beard. 

Edwin. Acts I and IV.. Dress suit; overcoat, hat and 
igloves. Acts II and III. Heavy suit, heavy overcoat, fur cap 
jand gloves, smooth face. 
. Peter. Gray suit, smooth face. 

I Laura. Act I. Fashionable evening dress. Acts II and 
lIII. Dark traveling dress, cloak and furs. Act IV. Gray 
dress, furs, hat and long cloak. 

Clara. Acts I and IV. Fashionable dress, cloak and hat. 
jActs II and III. Traveling dress, heavy cloak, furs and hood. 
I Effie. Acts I and IV. Fashionable evening dress, long 
|Cloak in Act I only. Act III. Gray dress, cloak and furs. 
' Mary. Servant's dress. 



The Government Detective 



ACT I 

SCENE. — A plain room. Doors r., i.. and c. ; hat-tree in 
hall, c, in plain sight of au die fice ; fireplace with fire, down 
L. ; table and chairs down R. ; dowfi c. a sofa ; ofi each 
side of door C. a statue on a pedestal; a small writing- 
desk open lip R. c. ; 07i the table is a lighted lamp and shade. 
Music at rise. 

Laura {seated before the fire, l.). My dear John, do be 
reasonable ! Look at the risk we run. 

John {seated on sofa, c, smoking). Risk? Where is the 
risk, I would like to know? It's the easiest thing in the world 
to slip the bills into Martin's pocket, and then have him searched 
on suspicion of being a counterfeiter. Once the bills are found, 
and he will be hurried away to prison, and then my path will 
be clear to win the peerless Clara Armstrong ! 

Laura {quietly^. That is all very nicely said, my dear 
brother, but don't forget there is such a body of men as the 
United States secret service, and its spies are everywhere. 
Once let us be suspected of this plot, and I think it would be 
us, and not Martin Jackson, who would be hurried away to 
prison. 

John {contemptuously'). Don't be such a coward, Laura. 
There will be no danger to either of us, I assure you. 

Laura. I don't know about that. Still, let me hear how 
you are going to carry it out, and perhaps I may change my 
mind. 

John. Don't these Armstrongs call on you to-night? 

Laura. They do. 

John. Good ! Once they are here, I will send a note to 
Martin, asking him to call here also. 

5 



6 THE GOVERNMENT DETECTIVE 

Laura. There is no need to do that. I have already in- 
vited Martin and his sister Effie. 

John. So much the better ! Did you tell him the Chicago 
millionaire and his daughter would be here ? 

Laura. Certainly. 

John. I am glad to hear that. Martin Jackson will come 
in double quick time when he finds out the Chicago heiress 
will be here. 

Laura. Still, I don't see what all this has got to do with 
your scheme. 

John. My dear Laura, you are positively growing stupid. 
Can't you see that once he is under this roof his doom is 
sealed? {Places hand ofi breast pocket of coat.) I have the 
package of bills in my pocket which makes out Martin Jackson 
to be none other than the great counterfeiter chief, Bodkin. 
When the proper time comes I will quietly drop the bills in his 
pocket and then notify Nick Morton, the government detective. 

Laura (sinili?ig). John, your scheme is a good one, 1 must 
say. Still, after all, it might be a failure. 

John. Don't be the least bit afraid, Laura. It won't be a 
failure, but a glorious success ! 

Laura. And what am I to get for my share of the work ? 

John {laughing). You always did look out for number one, 
my most respected sister, Mrs. Laura Marston. 

Laura {in the same tone). It is my policy to do so, my 
most respected brother, John Arnold. {Quickly.) Still you 
haven't answered my question yet. What sum do I g-et ? 

John {slowly). Well, Laura, if my plan succeeds, and I 
can win Clara, I will give you a sum of money equal to one 
hundred thousand dollars. Are you satisfied ? 

Laura. I am more than satisfied ! 

John. Well, Laura, I am glad you will be satisfied. To- 
night will see the downfall of Martin Jackson. 

Enter Mary, c. 

Mary. Mr. Paul Gray wishes to see madam. 

l.k\jRX {in surprise). Mr. Gray ? {Quickly.) Show him 
in, Mary. 

Mary. Yes, madam. \_Exit, c. 

John. Who the deuce is Paul Gray ? 

Laura. To me he is a man of mystery. Sometimes I think 
I understand him, only to find I am as far away from the solu- 
tion of the mystery as ever. 



THE GOVERNMENT DETECTIVE 7 

John. What object has he in coming here? 

Laura. Why, John, the man is madly in love with me. He 
is an ex-banker and reported to be immensely rich. That, my 
dear brother, is why I allow him td call here. 

John. And are you going to marry him ? 

Laura. If he proposes, yes. Not that I am in love with 
him, but simply because I wish to get hold of his money. 

John. God help him and his money if you once get your 
hands on either of them ! 

Laura (^laughing). Am I such a terrible being then? 

John. Oh, no. You are simply a beautiful devil ! 

Laura. Say you so, John ? Well, I must say I am not 
pleased at the compliment, coming as it does from my own 
brother. 

John. Your heart is hard enough to bear it, Laura. I 
think I will leave you for a while with your dear Paul Gray. 

(^Rises and exits, l.) 

Enter Paul Gray, c, preceded by Mary, who announces him 
afid then exits, c. 

Laura (rising). Ah, Mr. Gray! I am delighted to see 
you. Won't you be seated ? 

Paul. You do me proud, Mrs. Marston. 

{Sits on sofa, c.) 

Laura (laughing). Not at all, my dear sir. 

Paul (aside). You beautiful devil ! (Aloud.) Mrs. Mar- 
ston — Laura, may I call you by that name? (Rises.) 

Laura (laughing). Why not, pray, seeing it's my own ? 

Paul. Well then, Laura, I came here this evening with the 
fixed determination of asking you to become my wife. ( Crosses 
to her.) What answer are you going to give me, Laura? 

Laura. Why, Mr. Gray, I really don't know how to answer 
you. It is all so sudden, you know. 

Paul {sadly). Then you don't love me, after all? 

Laura. I haven't said so, have I? (Aside.) I must try 
and help him now that he has proposed. 

Paul. No, but your words imply as much. 

Laura. My words imply nothing. I do love you, Paul, 
and I will be your wife on one condition. 

Paul. Name the condition, and I will grant it immediately. 

Laura. Don't make any rash promise. 



8 THE GOVERNMENT DETECTIVE 

Paul What I say I will do. What is the condition ? 

LaurV That there must be no secrets between us. 

Paul' I agree to that. And to show you I am in earnest I 
will confess myself to you as a counterfeiter, and one who has 
made a large Jortune by the passing of bogus money. 

Laura (/;/ alarui). Hush ! some one might hear you ! 

Paul (looking around). No, we are alone. And now, 
Laura, you hold my liberty in your hands; do with me as you 
will I have confessed myself a counterfeiter, and if the secret 
service men were to hear of it, I would be arrested in a minute. 

Laura. Paul Gray, your secret is safe with me. And as 
for confessing my faults, I am sorry to say I haven t any to 

"""paul Ozx/V/.). Sly as ever! {Aloud.) I am delighted to 
hear that ! Of course, as I told you before, my liberty is m 
vour hands after telling you what I am. 

^ Laura {aside). And it will cost you dearly to save it 
(Aloud.) Paul, your liberty is perfectly safe with iiie. \\ hat 
you have this day revealed to me shall remain locked within my 
heart forever. 

Paul. Thank you, my sweet Laura ! ^ 

Laura. Come with me, Paul, and I will introduce you to 

my brother. ^ r, ,i , „ 

Paul. With all my heart. l^^ih exeunt, R. 

Enter Mary, c.Jollo^ved by Edwin Ray. 

Mary. You will please remain here, and I will let Mrs. 
Marston know that you have arrived 

Ed. All right, my beauty. Kindly tell her to hurry. You 
see it's devilish lonesome in a room all by oneself. 

Mary. Mrs. Marston will be here directly, sir. 

{Hangs his coat and hat up in the hall on hat-tree, in sight 
of audience.) 

Ed. Tell her to hurry, please. r ;r 7 r 

Mary. Certainly, sir. . ^I^xit, c. 

Ed. {sitting before fire). It's no use talking, Denver is a 
great place to live in. Still there is no place like Chicago alter 
all I left the dear old windy city and came here in search ot 
health and quietness. I am beginning to feel like a top. 
Only been here a week, and I have already saved the lite ot f. 
beautiful maiden. I don't know who she was, but her face is 



THE GOVERNMENT DETECTJVE 9 

forevermore stamped on my heart. {Looks around.') I won- 
der how long I am to remain here before any one shows up ? 

Efiter John, l. 

John {in surprise). Oh, I beg pardon. I didn't know the 
room was occupied. {Turns.) I will go. 

Ed. Stay where you are, old man ! The room is large 
enough for the two of us ! 

John. The young stranger is good-natured, I see. 

{Sits on sofa, c.) 

Ed. Oh, yes, all the people who come from my city are 
good-natured. 

John. Ah, then you do not belong in Denver? 

Ed. I should hope not. 

John. I thought not. From what city do you come ? 

Ed. Allow me to introduce myself to you. I am Edwin 
Ray, an invalid from the city of Chicago. 

John. And I am John Arnold, of Denver, Colorado. 

Ed. I am glad to know you, old man. 

{RiseSy goes to John, who rises, and both shake hafids 
warmly.) 

John. Thank you, sir. {.Both sit as before^ Are you out 
here alone, or have you some friends with you ? 

Ed. {aside). This fellow is more than seven. {Aloud.) 
My uncle and his daughter, my cousin, are with me. 

John. Your uncle and cousin ? Then the Chicago million- 
aire and his beautiful daughter are your relatives ? 

Ed. Do you know them ? 

John. Oh, yes, I have met them. 

Ed. I tell you what it is, old man, my cousin is a stunner ! 

John. A what, sir ? 

Ed. a stunner ! 

John. I don't understand you. 

Ed. {aside). Holy smoke ! I wonder what kind of a 
dummy this fellow is? {Aloud.) I mean is not my cousin a 
beautiful girl ? 

John {clasping his hands). Divine ! 

Ed. {aside). He's gone, poor chap ! It's mighty queer 
how many people fall in love with her. {Aloud.) Say, old 
man, you don't mean to say you are in love with her? 



10 THE GOVERNMENT DETECTIVE 

John {laughing). Well, hardly ! {Aside.) I adore her. 
Enter Laura, r. 

Laura {co7?iing down c). Well, Edwin, have you been con- 
versing with my dear brother John ? 

Ed. {rising, bo2ving, and then resuming seat). Oh, yes, we 
have had a most delightful chat. 

John. Yes, Laura, I find the gentleman from Chicago a 
most charming companion. 

Ed. {aside). He is a regular chump. 

Laura. I am glad to hear you say so, John j I want you 
and Mr. Ray to be the best of friends. 

Ed. Oh, we will get along, never fear. {Aside.) I wish 
some one would hit him in .the head with a club and wake 
him up ! 

Laura. By the way, Edwin, where are your uncle and 
cousin? Are they not coming to-night? 

Ed. Why, I came here to find them. Are tliey not here 
yet? 

Laura. Why, no. Where can they be ? 

Ed. Oh, they will turn up after a while. My uncle is too 
old a boy to get lost in Denver, after passing most of his life 
among the members of the stock exchange, Chicago. 

Enter Mary, c. 

Mary. The Chicago gentleman and his daughter have just 
arrived, madam 1 

Laura. Ah ! they have come at last ! Show them in, 
Mary. 

Mary. Yes, madam. \^Exit, c. 

John {aside to Laura). So far all works well. 

Laura {aside to him). Yes, but don't fail to keep an eye 
on the youngster. He is a very sharp young man, and might 
suspect something was wrong. 

John. Trust me for that. 

Ed. {aside). I wonder what that pair of beauties are wliis- 
pering about? I don't like the looks of things, and I iliiiik for 
the sake of Clara and Chicago, 1 will keep an eye on them. 

Enter Mary, c, followed by James Armstrong and Clara 
Armstrong. 

Mary {annoimcing). Mr. and Miss Armstrong. 

\Exit, c. 



THE GOVERNMENT DETECTIVE II 

James (removing overcoat and hat'). My dear Mrs. Mar- 
ston, you must pardon us for being a little tardy. The fact is 
we met with a slight accident to our automobile. 

John. Anything serious, Mr. Armstrong ? 

James. No. We merely ran into another car, that was all. 

Laura. And was your daughter hurt, sir ? 

Clara (Jias in the meantime removed her wraps and now 
comes doitni). Oh, no, Mrs. Marston, it takes more than a 
mere shaking up to hurt a Chicago girl ! 

{She crosses to Laura, and both converse.) 

James {to Ed.). Well, Eddie, have you been here long? 

Ed. Not so very long, uncle. 

James. Have you been lonesome waiting for me ? 

Ed. How could one be lonesome, uncle, with Mr. Arnold 
in the house ? 

James {aside). Heaven help Arnold, if he has been talking 
to Edwin. The poor devil must be insane by this time. 

{He crosses to John, and both converse.) 

Clara {leaving Laura and crossing to Ed. ; Laura going 
to desk and looking over some papers). Well, Eddie, you 
managed to come after all, it seems? 

Ed. Certainly I did. But say, let up on this Eddie business, 
will you ? I am no child now. 

Clara. Edwin, do try and speak in a civilized manner 
once in a while. 

Ed. I will, if you stop calling me Eddie ! 

Clara {laughing). I will, if you wish it. 

Ed. I do wish it. What if I was to fall in love with some 
beautiful girl, and to have her hear you calling me Eddie — oh, 
Lord ! 

Clara. That would be dreadful, wouldn't it? 

Ed. Well, I should smile. 

Clara. There you go again. 

Ed. All right, sis, I will try and talk according to the rules 
laid down by Murray. 

Clara. See that you do now. 

Enter Mary, c. 

Mary. Mr. Jackson and his sister have just arrived, madam. 
Laura. Show them in, Mary. 



12 THE GOVERNMENT DETECTIVE 

Mary. Yes, madam. [£xif, C. 

Ed. I was not aware that Martin Jackson had a sister. 

Clara. My dear Edwin, you are not supposed to know 
everything. 

Ed. So it seems. 

Laura {comitig dozvti). Oh, yes, Edwin, Martin has a sis- 
ter, and a very beautiful one at that. So be warned in lime 
and look out for your heart, or it will be in the keeping of Effie ; 
Jackson, before you know it. 

Ed. Nonsense ! 

Laura. Very well, Edwin. Time will tell whether I was 
wrong or right, 

Clara {Jaiighing). You hear your fate, sir? 

Ed. We shall see. 

Enter Mary, c, folloived by Martin Jackson and Effie 
Jackson. 

Mary. Mr. and Miss Jackson. 

Martin {retnoving hat and coat and hanghig them on hat- 
tree'). I hope I am not late? 

Laura. Better late than never. 

Martin {crossing to John and James). Good-evening, , 
Mr. Armstrong, and you, John. 

(John jnerely nods his head.) 

James. Why, Martin, I am really delighted to see you. 

{They converse in low tones.) 

Clara {he/ping Effie off with wraps and then leading her ' 
doivn c). Come along, Effie, and I will introduce you to my 
cousin. 

Effie (/// surprise). Your cousin ? 

(Lau^^a has in the meant ifne returned to the desk.) 

Clara. Oh, yes. Come, Edwin, let me introduce you to 
my friend, Effie Jackson. 

Ed. {rising and looking arou7id). Why, certainly. Holy 
smoke ! 



THE GOVERNMENT DETECTIVE 

Effie {in surp}-ise). My saviour ! 

Laura {coviin^ doivn to them). What is the matter? 



13 



(All gather around.) 

Clara {in surprise). You have met before? 
Effie. The gentleman savetl my hfe this afternoon. 
James. Lucky dog, old fellow ! 

Enter Mary, c. 

Mary. Lunch is served, madam. \^Exit, c. 

Laura {to Mary). Very well, Mary. {Then to the oth- 
ers.) Come, friends, and partake of a slight repast which 
awaits us. Come with me. 

Martin. Mrs. Marston, you will kindly excuse me for a 
moment. 1 have a few words to say to Miss Armstrong in 
private. 

Laura. Oh, very well. Come when you are ready. 

{All exeunt^ c, arm in arm.) 

Clara. Well, Mr. Jackson? 

Martin. Miss Armstrong, I wish to speak what is on my 
mind. I am no fortune hunter. I have valuable estates which 
make me a rich man. If I was a poor, penniless youth, what I 
am going to say would remain unspoken. Miss Clara, I have 
loved you from the moment I first set eyes on you. I loved 
you then as I do noW. I love you truly and honestly, and want 
you to become my wife. 

Clara. I will be frank with you, as you have been with 
me. I do love you, Martin, and will be your wife ! 

Martin. My angel ! {He embraces her.) 

Clara. But remember, Martin, I will never live in Denver. 
Chicago is good enough for me. 

Martin. No matter, Clara. I can easily rent my property 
and live with you there. 

Clara. 1 am glad to hear you say that, Martin. Come 
along to supper now. \Both exeu?it, c. 

Etiter John, r. 

John (looking around). Now is my time to place the 
bills in Martin's pocket. I excused myself from the rest of 



14 THE GOVERNMENT DETECTIVE 

them, and none of them will suspect me. Once the bills are 
in his pocket and I will send a note to Nick Morton, the de- 
tective. Once Martin is out of my way my path will be clear 
to win the hand of Clara. {^He looks aroufid cautiously, ami 
then drops the package of bills i?i the breastpocket of Martin's 
overcoat.) It is done ! So far all works well. Now to notify 
the officers of the law, and then join the rest of them at supper. 

[^Exit, c. 

Enter Paul, r. 

Paul. I do not understand what object John Arnold had 
in leaving the table. There is some deep scheme going on, and 
I must keep my eyes open. {Looks around.') I would like to 
know what he was doing in this room just now. I think I will 
follow him and see where he goes.^ As an officer of the gov- 
ernment, I must be on my guard. If my identity was known 
in this house, I am sure some of the inmates would not care to 
have me around. [Exit, c. 

Enter Ed. and Effie, r. 

Ed. I am more than pleased ; in fact, I am delighted to 
find you here to-night. 

Effie. And I am more than glad I am here to return 
thanks to the young man who so gallantly saved my life at the 
risk of his own. 

Ed. It was purely accidental, I assure you. All I had to 
do was to grasp the horse by the bridle, and it was all over ! 

Effie. Are all the men from Chicago as modest as you are? 

Ed. {aside). I wish she would change the subject. {Aloud.) 
Most men would risk their lives to save any one in distress, not 
alone in Chicago, but in any other state or country. 

Effie. Ah, I fear you are too modest ! 

Ed. Modest? Well, that is the first I ever heard of it. 
If you were to tell that to my cousin Clara, I don't think she 
would quite agree with you. Of course, if you say so, it must 
be true. 

Effie {warmly). I do say so. AVhy, I was so thankful for 
what you had done, that if you had remained I would have 
thrown my arms around your neck and kissed you, as a sign 
of gratitude for saving my life ! 

Ed. {aside). Oh, Lord ! {Aloud.) Is that so? 

Effie. Yes, indeed, I would 1 



THE GOVERNMENT DETECTIVE 15 

Ed (aside). I wish I had remained. {Aloud.) My dear 
young lady, if I had only known that in time, I would not have 
disappeared in such a hurry. Of course it's too late now ? 

Effie {laughing). Most decidedly it is ! 

Ed Just my luck ! I always manage to escape what is 
good. {Aside.) I will have to change my opinion of the Den- 
ver girls after this. 

Efiter Nick Morton, c. 

Nick. I beg your pardon. {Looks around.) Where is 
Mrs. Laura Marston ? 

Ed {to Effie). You had better answer that question. 
; Effie. Mrs. 'Marston is entertaining some guests in the 

next room. 

Nick Tell her and her friends to come here at once. 

Effie. Yes, sir. ^ . ^ . [f f (v""* 

Ed. To what is Mrs. Marston and her friends indebted for 

this visit? 
' Nick. You will see presently. 

{ Enter all, c. 

I Laura {to Nick). Well, sir, what is your pleasure with me ? 

' Nick. You will pardon me for disturbing yourself and 

I friends,' but I am here to arrest one Martin Jackson ! 

i Martin. I am the gentleman you name. Of what crime 

f am I accused ? r • i 

' Nick. You are accused of being a counterfeiter ! 

' AiA. {in surprise). A counterfeiter? 

\ Nick. Yes, and the proof is here. 

1 {He takes bills from Martin's coat.) 

' Paul {aside). That was what John was doing in the room 

alone. . , u . 

Martin. There is some terrible mistake somewhere ! 
Effie. Oh, Martin, am I to be left alone ? 

{Sinks in a chair, R.) 

Martin." Don't give up, Effie. All will yet be well. 
Clara {throwing her arms around Martin's rieck). Oh, 
Martin, will they tear us apart ? , rr j r 

Martin {kissing her). For the present, yes. {Hands Her 



l6 THE GOVERNMENT DETECTIVE 

to Ed.) Here, Edwin, I give you charge of my future wife. 
Some one has accused me of being a counterfeiter, though 
heaven knows I am innocent ! 

Ed. {taking C'LKRKfrojn him). I believe you ! 

Nick. Come, sir ! i 



{Places hand on Martin's shoulder.) 

Martin and Nick. 
James, Paul ^//^ Laura Ed., Clara 

afid John, down R. and Effie. 



SLOW CURTAIN 
(Between Acts I and II a month is supposed to elapse.) 



m. 



ACT II 

SCENE. — A plain room. Desk r., and another, r. c. ; large 
double door^ c. ; a row of chairs, l. ; two more, l. c. ; 
maps on the wall. Peter is seated at desk, R. c, as the 
curtain rises. 

Peter {looking at watch). It's time Mr. Adams was here. 

Enter Alexander Adams, c. 

Alex. Well, Peter, has the mail arrived yet ? 

Peter. The mail is on your desk, sir. 

Alex. Very well. {Sits at desk, l. c, and begins to open 
letters.') From Denver ! {Looks at envelope.) I wonder 
what is it about ? {Opens it.) I suppose the only way to find 
out is to read it. {Reads aloud.) '' Do not allow party from 
Chicago to see the young prisoner, Martin Jackson, under no 
consideration. Signed, John Arnold." So, John, you are up 
to your old tricks again, are you ? Well, keep on, my dear fel- 
low, and some day you will be an inmate of the Jefferson prison ! 
Of course I must do as he wishes me, law or no law, as my 
oath to the brotherhood of counterfeiters compels me, unless a 
message direct from the governor is sent here. 

Enter Paul, c. 

Paul {looking aroufid). Well, Mr. Adams, how are all 
the prisoners getting along ? 

Alex, {aside ; rising). The chairman of the board of com- 
missioners. {Aloud.) All well, Mr. Gray. 

Paul. I am glad to know that ; and when I make my re- 
port to the governor, I shall mention your name to him, Mr. 
Adams ! {Aside.) But in a different manner from what you 
suppose, you scoundrel ! 

Alex. Thank you, Mr. Gray. 

Paul. By the way, has any one been here to see the young 
counterfeiter, Martin Jackson ? 

Alex. Up to the present time, no one^ 

Paul. Should any one bearing a pass signed by the at- 

17 



l8 THE GOVERNMENT DETECTIVE 

torney-general of the stale wish to see him, you will know 
what to do. 

Alex, Yes, sir. {Aside.) H'ere is a nice state of affairs, I 
must say. {Aloud.) Won't you be seated, Mr. Gray ? {Brings 
chair down Q. from l. c.) 1 have some business to attend to. 

Paul (sitting doivn). I will wait here for you. 

Alex. Very well, sir. I will be back here in a short time. 

\_Exity c. 

Paul {looking around). I wonder how long will I have to 
remain here before Nick Morton turns up ? 

Enter Nick, c. 

Nick {in a whisper). I am here at last, captain. 

Paul. And what have you learned ? 

Nick. The Chicago millionaire and his family will be here 
in a short time. Mrs. Marston and her brother, John Arnold, 
will also be here to see the prisoner. 

Paul. You must keep your eyes open, Nick, and learn all 
you can. At last I think we arje on the right track of discover- 
ing who the members of this band of counterfeiters really are. 

Nick. I hope so, captain. But I fear we have a shrewd 
crowd to deal with. 

Paul. I know that, Nick, but we will down them yet. 
{Rises.) Come, let us take a look around. 

Nick. Very well, captain. \^Both exeunt, c. 

Peter. I wonder what is bringing all the visitors to the 
prison to-day, and in such a frightful snow-storm? Something 
of importance must be going on. 

Enter John, c. 

John {to Peter). Where is Mr. Adams, the warden ? 

Peter. He just went out, sir. He will be back in a 
moment. 

John. What was Mr. Gray, the banker, doing in here just 
now with the government detective, Nick Morton ? 

Peter. Mr. Gray was in here to see the warden. 

John. And what of the detective ? 

Peter. He came in afterward and held a whispered con- 
versation with the banker. 

John. Indeed ! {Aside.) Can any one suspect me? I 
don't much like this banker, Paul Gray, although he is soon to 
be my brother-in-law. 



THE GOVERNMENT DETECTIVE I9 

Enter Alex., c. 

Alex. Ah, John, you here? (^Both shake hands.') 

John. Oh, yes, I came to inquire about the young prisoner, 
Martin Jackson. 

Alex. Indeed ! 

John. Has any one been here to see him yet ? 

Alex. So far no one. 

John. Good ! Should the Chicago milHonaire and his 
daughter come here to-day to see him, you must try and pre- 
vent them from meeting the prisoner at all hazards. 

Alex, {shaking his head). Your wish is impossible ! I 
have just received orders from the attorney-general of the state 
concerning the prisoner, and I must obey them. {Quickly.) 
Besides, Mr. Paul Gray, the banker, is chairman of the prison 
board. 

John {in surprise). Is that so ? 

Alex. You understand the position I am in, when I tell 
you the gentleman is visiting the prison at the present time. 
But why don't you wish the prisoner to meet your sister? 

John. Because, woman like, she is madly in love witn him, 
and would assist him to escape from this place. To have him 
leave at the present time would spoil all my plans. {Looks 
around cautiously.) Where is the prisoner now? 

Alex. At work in one of the shops. 

John. How does he take the loss of his liberty? 

Alex. He shows no outward sign of emotion. Yet I fear 
there is a devil slumbering in his breast which the slightest thing 
will disturb. 

John. Let us go and see him. I want to see how life in 
prison agrees with him. Up to the present, Martin Jackson 
believes me to be one of his best friends. 

Alex. What if he was to learn the truth ? That instead of 
being his friend, you are, on the contrary, his most bitter 
enemy? 

John. What good will that do him ? Here he is, and here 
he is going to remain. 

Alex. It would be far better if some of the prisoners were 
actually dead and in their graves. The torments of the other 
world cannot be much worse than the suffering endured by 
some of the convicts here ! Poor devils ! Sometimes I pity 
them ! 

John. Nonsense ! You are growing too tender hearted by 



20 THE GOVERNMENT DETECTIVE 

far, Alexander. What do you think our comrades would say 
if they could hear you speak as you do? 

Alex. 1 suppose they would consider them treasonable to 
the good of the society. 

John. 1 fear you are right. So quit your moralizing and 
come and show me where Martin Jackson is at work. 

Alex, {walking toward <z.^. Come along, then. 

\^Both exeunt, c. 

Peter. I wonder what the devil was all that whispering 
about ? I hope there is not going to be a general overhauling 
of the prison officials. 

Enter Ed., c. 

Ed. {looking around and then to Peter). I beg your par- 
don, but can you tell me where I can find the man who runs 
this place ? 

Peter. If you mean Mr. Adams, the warden, why he just 
went out in company with a visitor as you came in. 

Ed. Just went out, did he? When do you expect him 
back? 

Peter. In a short time. 

Ed. I believe I will wait for him. {Sits l.) 

Peter. Very well, sir. {Continues writing.^ 

Ed. Now what the deuce does all this mystery mean? 
What could bring John Arnold and his sister to the prison? 
And what is still stranger, neither one seems to know that the 
other is here. And then there is that remarkable man calling 
himself Paul Gray, the ex-banker. What the devil is he do- 
ing here in the prison ? 

Enter Paul, c. 

Paul {coming down /d? Ed.). So you are here at last, are 
you ? 

Ed. Yes, what is left of me. {Quickly.) By the way, Mr. 
Gray, what are you doing out here? I thought you were in 
Denver, making preparations for your coming marriage with 
Mrs. Marston. 

Paul {looking around and then in a 7vhisper). My boy, I 
think I can trust you. 

Ed. Why, of course you can. 

Paul, I am working in the same cause you are. 

Ed. And that is ? 



THE GOVERNMENT DETECTIVE 21 

Paul. The rescue of Martin Jackson, and the bringing to 
justice of his enemies ! , t . • 

Ed. Indeed! {Quickly.) How do you know I am trymg 

to rescue the prisoner ? , • , t ^ c^ 

Paul My boy, I know more than you thmk 1 do. bo 
trust in me and all will be well. Do you beheve me? 

Ed. I suppose I will have to. -r^ ,, i 

Paul You speak as if you still doubted me. Don t be 
afraid to trust me. I know Martin Jackson is accused of a 
crime he never committed. So far I have not sufficient evi- 
dence to set him at liberty. 

Ed Well, Mr. Gray, I will trust you. And if it s anything 
to hunt down the enemies of Martin Jackson, I am with you 
heart and soul. And there is my hand on it 1 
{Both shake hands.) 
Paul. It is now to work for the release of our friend, 

Martin Jackson. 

Ed. Hush ! {Looks around.) Some one is coming. 

Enter Alex., c. 

Alex, (coming down c). Sorry to have kept you waiting, 
gentlemen. (T^ Ed.) Well, sir, what can I do for you? 
Ed I wish to see the prisoner known as Martin Jackson. 

Alex, {aside). I am in for it now. It will never do for 
me to refuse him while Mr. Gray is present. {Aloud.) ihe 
prisoner you mention is now at work in one of the shops. 

Paul {sternly). You will oblige me very much, Mr. Adams, 
by having the prisoner brought here 1 , .r j\ 

Alex, {aside). I dare not refuse that order. {Aloud.) 
Certainly, sir. {To Peter.) Peter, tell the guard to bring m 
the prisoner known as Martin Jackson. r tt v 

Vet^^ {rising). Yes, sir. ^Jixtt, c. 

Paul. While the prisoner is here, Mr. Adams, you will 
kindly leave us alone with him. 

Alex. But the law? 

Paul {sternly). Mr. Adams, you are aware of my author- 
ity, I presume 1 

Enter Martin, c, slowly. 

Alex, (humbly). It shall be as you wish, sir. ^ \_Exit, c 
Martin {rushing forward and shaking hands with h.D. ana 



22 THE GOVERNMENT DETECTIVE 

Paul). Edwin, my friend, and you too, sir. I did not know 
I had such good friends in all the world. 

Paul. Cheer up, my boy ! All will yet be well. There is 
some scheme on foot to keep you a prisoner here, but we will 
soon be at the bottom of it. Hey, Edwin ? 

Ed. Right you are, sir ! 

Martin. Thank you, dear friends. It is worth while being 
held a prisoner to discover I had two such devoted friends. 

Ed. And my cousin Clara loves you just the same as ever. 
It will take more than this to shake her faith in you. 

Martin {sadly). And yet it is hard to be accused of a 
crime I never committed. The bills found in my pocket were 
placed there by some enemy who desired to bring about my 
ruin. I did not think I had an enemy in the world. 

Paul. Come, come, youngster, don't give up all hope. 
Would you refuse to escape if the chance was given you ? 

Martin. Escape? And in so doing leave myself open to 
the suspicion that I was really a counterfeiter, as they accused 
me of being? When I leave this place it will be as a free man, 
and without a stain on my good name. 

Paul. Nonsense ! We are here to help you to escape from 
this place. 

Martin (^sternly). Escape? Never until I am proven in- 
nocent of the crime I am accused of. 

Paul (to Ed.). My boy, what are we to do with this head- 
strong youth? He absolutely refuses to leave this place 
with us. 

Ed. Leave him to me, Mr. Gray, and you will see the im- 
pression I will make on his hard heart. 

Paul. Very well. Go ahead and see if you can convince 
him it's to his own interest to escape. 

Ed. Have no fear, sir. When I get through arguing the 
question with him in my own peculiar way, he will be only too 
willing to make his escape. 

Paul (ferve fitly'). I sincerely hope so. But go ahead and 
be quick about it, as we haven't much time to lose. 

Ed. All right. 

Paul. Once the night is on us we might lose our way 
and perish in the snow. {JValks 7ip r.) 

Ed. Martin, listen to me for a moment. 

Martin. Well ? 

Ed. It is not well, Martin. As Mr. Gray has told you, we 
are here to help you to escape. 



THE GOVERNMENT DETECTIVE 23 

Martin. And as I told him so now I tell you, I have no 
desire to escape. 

Ed. My dear sir, you speak foolishly when you say so. 
You have nothing to gain and everything to lose by remanimg 
here. By remaining you simply acknowledge yourself guilty 
of the crime of which you are accused. By escaping you will 
have a chance of finding the guilty ones and making your in- 
nocence known to all the world. Then there is your beautiful 
sister left alone and friendless. 

Martin {sadly). Poor Effie I 

Ed. And then there is my cousin Clara. ^ . 77 n 

Martin {passionately). Clara, dream of my hfe._ {Quickly.) 
And does she believe me guilty of being a counterfeiter? 

Ed. Believe nothing 1 

Martin (/?/'Z^^;///>0- Thank God ! 

Ed. (aside). I have struck the right track at last. {Aloud.) 
My dear Martin, she would marry you to-morrow if you were 

only free ! , 

Martin {slowly). Free ! freedom ! How sweet that word 

sounds to me. 

Ed. Take your chance and escape while there is yet time. 
This is your only show, so make the most of it. 

Martin. Escape? . ^ 

Ed. Yes, you must answer at once. Remember, it s lib- 
erty and Clara Armstrong, the girl of your heart ! 

Martin. Liberty and Clara ? 

Ed. Yes; your answer? What is it going to be? Yes 

or no? 

Martin. My answer is yes I I will escape ! 

Ed. Good 1 Now you are speaking like a sensible being. 

Paul {coming dowji). Well, Edwin, have you won him over 
yet? 

Ed. {laughing). Well, I should say so. 

Paul. Indeed ! How was it accomplished ? 

Ed. By the name of my cousin Clara. 

Paul. Ah, so we have a woman in the case, have we? 

Martin. Yes, and a very beautiful one at that. But come 
to the point at once. What is the plan of escape you have laid 
out for my benefit ? 

Ed. Listen then. You and I will exchange clothes. We 
are of the same size, and the difference will never be noticed. 
By keeping your face covered you can easily pass the guard, 
and all will then be well. Mr. Gray has a sleigh and a fast 



24 THE GOVERNMENT DETECTIVE 

team of horses at hand. Once you are on the outside, escape 
will be easy. Mr. Gray will take you to a cabin in the moun- 
tains where all the police of Denver will never find you. When 
you reach the cabin you will remain there in all security until I 
come. 

Martin. But when they find out I have escaped will they 
not seek to avenge themselves on you ? 

Ed. I'll take my chances. 

Martin. Very well, then. When do you propose to make 
the change ? 

Ed. In a short time. 

Martin. When you are ready to make the change, you will 
find me ready also. 

Ed. {looking around). Hush ! Some one is coming ! 

Paul. Come, Edwin, let us go and see that the sleigh and 
horses are in readiness for the flight of the prisoner to the 
cabin in the mountains. 

Ed. Wait until we see who is coming. 

Enter Alex., c. 

Alex. Gentlemen, time is up. Sorry to disturb, but such 
are the rules of the prison. 

Ed. We have no desire to break the rules of the prison. 
Come, Mr. Gray. \^Both exeunt, C. 

Alex. Well, prisoner, have your friends any confidence in 
being able to procure a pardon for you from the governor ? 

Martin {sadly). In such a case as mine, I fear my friends 
can do but little. 

Alex. Sorry to hear you say that. Still who knows what 
might turn up when least expected ? This is the last place in 
the world I would like to see a young man sent for any number 
of years. 

Martin. You may well say so. 

Enter Peter, c. 

Peter. A lady wishes to see the prisoner, Martin Jackson. 
Martin. A lady? {Aside.) Perhaps Clara ! 
Alex. Who is she ? 

Peter. She gave the name of Mrs. Laura Marston ! 
Alex. Mrs. Marston? {Aside.) John's sister ! {Aloud.) 
Show her in. 
Peter. Yes, sir. [^Exiif c. 



THE GOVERNMENT DETECTIVE 25 

Alex. I don't know what her business may be with you, 
but I suppose it will be private. I will leave you alone with 
her. \^Exit, c. 

Martin (^boiai/ig). Thank you, sir. Now what the deuce 
can bring the widow to see me? I suppose I will soon 
know all, for she must be close at hand, as I hear the rustle of 
her skirts outside the door. 

Enter Laura, c. 

Laura. You seem surprised to see me, Martin ? 

Martin. I am more than surprised to see Mrs. Marston 
inside the walls of the Jefferson state prison. 

Laura. I had a motive in coming here to see you, Martin. 

Martin. Indeed ! 

Laura. I came to offer you the means of escaping from this 
terrible place of imprisonment ! 

Martin. You speak strangely, Mrs. Marston. 

Laura. Do 1 ? Then I will make my meaning clear to 
you. I love you, Martin Jackson, from the bottom of my 
heart, and would aid you in making your escape from this 
dreadful place. However unwomanly it may seem in de- 
claring my love, I mean it in all sincerity. 

Martin. Love? 

Laura. Yes, Martin Jackson, love. I have never felt this 
affection for any living being before. Married when but six- 
teen years old to a man old enough to be my grandfather, you 
may well say my lot was not a happy one. Three months after 
the wedding my husband died, leaving me a widow when little 
more than a child. I never loved until the night I met you at 
my home, when you were arrested. From that moment I loved 
you madly, passionately. True, I have promised to become 
the wife of Paul Gray, but that was before I really knew you. 
The engagement can be easily broken. But the love I have for 
you, Martin, would lead me to brave all. I would give up 
wealth, friends and everything. I would be willing to live in 
the greatest of poverty to be by your side. Now, Martin, you 
have heard my confession, what do you say? 

Martin. Nothing, Mrs. Marston, nothing. 

Laura. Then you will take advantage of the means of es- 
cape I have prepared ? 

Martin. It is impossible. 

Laura. Impossible, you say ? What do you mean by im- 
possible? Nothing is impossible in this life. 



26 THE GOVERNMENT DETECTIVE 

Martin. I mean it is impossible for me to return your af- 
fection. 

Laura. Then you love another ? Ah, yes, I see it all now. 
You are in love with the daughter of this Chicago millionaire. 
Ah, yes, I should have known better. You love her, then ? 

Martin. I do, indeed. 

Laura. And do you think for a moment that a girl like her 
could return the affections of a convict ? 

Martin. Mrs. Marston, you forget what you say ! 

Laura. Pardon me, Martin, but my love for you makes me 
unreasonable. 

Martin. Besides, you must remember Clara Armstrong is 
a girl who loves but once in her life, and once the idol of her 
dreams is shattered she never loves again 1 

Laura. Very true, indeed, Martin. But still the world 
looks on you now as a convict. 

Martin. A convict, Mrs. Marston ? 

Laura. Yes, a convict. Are you not a counterfeiter, found 
with the bills in your possession ? 

Martin. You know I am no counterfeiter, Mrs. Marston. 
The bills were placed there by an enemy ! 

Laura. An enemy? 

Martin. Yes, by an enemy. What the object was I have 
been unable to learn. 

Laura. You forget, Martin Jackson, you were a guest in 
my house when the bills were found and you were arrested. 
Surely you don't suspect me of having any hand in the plot, if 
plot there were, as you say? 

Martin. I suspect no one. Some day the truth will be 
found out and the guilty will be punished. 

Laura. I must be going now, Martin. Remember my 
offer to assist you to escape still holds good. When you wish 
to communicate with me, write. All letters written by you to 
me will be delivered. For the present, bye, bye. [Exi^, c. 

Martin {looking after her, and then to audience). Well, of 
all the surprises I ever received in all my life, that one was the 
greatest. Women are queer creatures when you come to con- 
sider them in a careful manner. 

Enter Paul, c. 

Paul. So your beautiful visitor has left you, has she? 
Martin. Yes, she just left me. 



THE GOVERNMENT DETECTIVE 27 

Enter Ed., c. 

Ed Now is your time, Martin. The night is coming on 
and it will soon be dark. Change clothes with me quickly and 
when Mr. Gray leaves you will go with him. 

(^Both quickly change upper gar fnefits.) 

Martin. But our features are not the same ! 

Ed That don't matter. If you can escape from this room 
without being discovered, all is well. This you can do by 
keeping your face concealed as much as possible. Once you 
reach the gate you will find the team and sleigh. Mr. Gray 
will show you the cabin in the mountains of which I spoke. 

Martin. But look at the risk you run. 

Ed. Never mind the risk. Do as I tell you. Remember, 
it is for Clara and freedom you are doing it. 

Martin. Ah, yes, for her sake I will brave all. 

Ed. Now you are beginning to talk sense. Are you ready ? 

Martin. All is ready. 

Ed. {shaking hands with Martin). Then good-bye until 
we meet again. 

Martin {fervently). Good-bye, and may you escape from 
all harm. You are doing the act of a hero. Good-bye. 

[Exit, c, with Paul. 

Ed And now to prepare for that devil, John Arnold, and 
his confederates. Won't they be surprised when they discover 
that the prisoner has escaped? Well, I guess, yes. 

(Sits L., and bows his head.) 

Enter John and Alex,, c. 

John. And now we are alone with the prisoner at last. 
Paul Gray and his young Chicago friend have left the prison 
for the city in a blinding snow-storm. Good thing if they both 
perished. And now to hear the news. But first we must have 
Martin Jackson sent back to his prison cell. 

Alex. Very well. (Touches Ed. on the shoulder.) Come, 
young man, you must return to your cell. 

Ed. (rising). I am ready. _ 

John. That is certainly not the voice of the prisoner, Martm 
Jackson. 

Alex. What do you mean? 



28 THE GOVERNMENT DETECTIVE 

John. I mean we have allowed the prisoner to slip through 
our fingers by our cursed stupidity ! 

Ed. {facing thetii). Gentlemen, I am sorry to say you are 
right. The prisoner has changed his boarding-house ! 

Ed., c. 
John, r. Alex., l. 



QUICK CURTAIN 
(One night is supposed to elapse between Act II and Act III.) 



ACT III 

SCENE. — A plain room. Doors r. and l. c. ; a window 
covered with frost, R. c. ; fireplace ivithfire^ l. ; bench before 
fireplace ; table a fid chairs down r. Music at rise. 

Enter James, r. c. 

James {looking around^. No one here but myself. {Looks 
at watch.) Ten o'clock and Edwin not here-yet. {Crosses to 
fireplace, lights cigar, and then sits down before the fire.) It is 
not possible the officials of the prison would hold him as a 
hostage for the return of Martin Jackson. Still Edwin is cool- 
headed and has got out of tighter scrapes than this before. 

Enter Clara, r. c. 

Clara (crossifig to l.). Any news of Edwin yet, father? 

James {shaking his head). So far, none. 

Clara. I am so afraid something has happened to him. 
He is so impatient, and might do or say something for which 
he might be arrested. 

James. Have no fear about him, Clara. He is one of those 
young men who are able to take care of themselves, 
r* Clara {sittifig at table l.). That is true enough, father. 
Yet some word from Edwin, at the present time, would do 
much to set my mind at rest. Perhaps Mr. Adams, the 
warden of the prison, has made a prisoner of him. 

James {laughing). Nonsense, child ! Has not Mr. Gray 
promised to see that Edwin is saved if the worst comes to the 
worst ? 

Clara. And who is this Mr. Gray, that he can make such 
a promise as that ? 

James. Now you are asking me a question I cannot an- 
swer. All I know is that he claims to be the chairman of the 
prison board of commissioners. 

Clara {fervently). Whoever or whatever he is, I sincerely 
hope he will protect Edwin from the fury of his enemies. 

James. Enemies, Clara ? Why, Edwin has no enemies in 
the world. 

29 



30 



THE GOVERNMENT DETECTIVE 



Clara. Well, not exactly his enemies, father. But then I 
so look upon the prison officials from where Martin made his 
escape. Remember, they will have no love for the one who 
has cheated them out of their prey. 

James. That is very true, Clara. Still I think in a short 
time Edwin will be here. 

Clara. I hope so, father. 

James. Where is Mr. Gray now ? {Rises.") 

Clara. Talking with Martin and his sister. 

James {crossing to r.). I think I will go and speak to him 
about the non-appearance of your cousin. 

Clara. Do, father, by all means. And when you return 
bring me a message of good cheer. 

James. Donl give up, Clara. I haven't the slightest doubt 
but that Mr. Gray will keep his word and take care of Edwin. 

\^Exit, R. 

Clara. Oh, if anything should hai)pen to my dear cousin, 
Edwin, I would never forgive myself for allowing him to run 
the risk he did. And yet the promise given to me by that 
mysterious man, Mr. Gray, that nothing would happen to 
Edwin, seems to set my mind at rest. 

E?iter Paul, r. 

Paul. Well, well, my little girl, why are you so downcast 
this morning ? Are you not delighted to have your future hus- 
band safe and sound again by your side, after being rescued 
from a living grave? 

Clara. Oh, yes, Mr. Gray, and thank you from the bottom 
of my heart for the great assistance you have rendered in the 
hour of need ! 

Paul. Then why this silence? 

Clara. I am greatly worried over the non- arrival of my 
cousin, Edwin. According to your own statement, if all went 
well, he should have been here last night. Yet now it is morn- 
ing and we have not seen sight of him so far. Oh, if anything 
should have befallen him, I would never forgive myself. 

Paul {patting her on the head). There, there, little 
woman, don't give up yet. I promise that your cousin shall 
return to us all safe and sound. 

Clara. What do you mean, Mr. Gray ? 

Paul. I mean just what I say, and nothing more. How- 
ever, there is yet time for his arrival. Last night's terrible 
storm may have delayed him the same as it did us. 



THE GOVERNMENT DETECTIVE 3I 

Clara. Oh, Mr. Gray, you don't know what a load you 
have taken from my heart by your kind and hopeful words. 

Paul. There, there, little lady, run along now and join 
your future husband. I know that he is dying to have a chat 
with you. 

Clara (^rising). Mn Gray, will you answer me one ques- 
tion without hesitation ? 

Paul. Perhaps. That all depends on what the question is 
going to be. 

Clara. It is one that is easily answered. 

Paul. Indeed ! 

Clara. Yes. 

Paul. Then what is this all important question going to 
be? 

Clara. Who are you? 

Paul. Who am I ? 

Clara. Yes. 

Paul. I am simply Paul Gray, ex -banker of Denver, Col. 
Run along now and join Martin. I am sure he is anxious to 
have you by his side. 

Clara. Oh, very well, I will go. But just the same I in- 
tend to find out who you really are before I return to Chicago. 

Paul. All right, little woman. {Listens.') I think I 
hear Martin calling you now. 

Clara. I am going to him ; but won't you join us ? 

Paul. Not just at present. I am hourly expecting the 
arrival of Nick Morton, the secret service officer. Once he is 
here and I will know if it is necessary for me to return to the 
prison. 

Clara. In that case, sir, I will not delay you any longer. 

\^Exity R. 

Paul. By jingo, she is a charming girl and no mistake. 
If the government only had a dozen men like her and her 
cousin, there would not be a single counterfeiter in America 
that the government wouldn't know something about. ( Crosses 
to fireplace. ) Time'Nick should be here. (Looks at It is watch.') 
I wonder what detains him ? (Door L. c. opens as he looks 
around.) Ah, he is here at last ! 

Efiter Nick, l. c. 

Nick. Good-morning, captain. 

Paul. Well, Nick, what detained you ? You are a long 



ys2 THE GOVERNMENT DETECTIVE 

way beliind time this morning. I never knew you to fail me 
before. ( Both sit \.. and ^. of table.') _ 

Nick, rhe road was so full of snow that it was niipossible 
for me to make greater headway than I did. 

Paul. What of the Chicago youth we left ni the prison ? 

Nick Is he not here with you all? 

Paul. Here? U^mips up.') Why, you don't mean to 
say he left last night in the storm ? 

Nick. Certainly I do ! -^^ r- j . .i i, 

Paul {walking up and down the room). My CjOQ ! then ne 
has perished in the storm ! 

Nick {ivatching him). Perhaps he might have sought 
shelter in the home of some mountaineer along the road. 

Paul (sitting down again). That would have been his only 
chance to save his life. How can I tell the sad news to that 
dear girl and her father, if anything has happened to him? I 
should have told them all at the prison. 

Nick And by so doing spoil all our plans and at the same 
time put the members of Captain Bodkm's band of counter- 
feiters on their guard. ^ .„ t i . ^i • i 

Paul That is true enough, Nick. Still I hate to thuik 
that the young man should have perished through my trying 
to find out the members of a secret band of criminals. 

Nick I don't altogether think the young fellow has been 
lost. A boy with such energy and pUick would make a desper- 
ate fight for his life. A calm head will do much m time of 
danger Who knows but in not coming here last night he 
might have discovered who the head of the counterfeiters 

''paul.^ If I could only believe so. For ^^^^^-^ than three 
years this band of counterfeiters have baffled every effoit of the 
secret service to discover who this Captain Bodkin is. Once 
his identity is known to me the rest will be easy. ^ 

Nick. Still you must admit, whoever he is, he is a clever 
man, by the way he covers up his tracks. 

Paul Oh, I give him credit for all that, Nick But re- 
member' the smartest men fail in the end. AH t^ie same I 
would very much like to find out who the man is. Just tliinR, 
Nick, what a power he would be in the diplomatic service if he 
was only an honest man. 

Nick. You may well say so. A man like him would be a 
credit to any nation. Only to think he is on the downward 
path, and will come to an end when he least expects it. 



THE GOVERNMENT DETECTIVE 



33 



Paul. I tell you what it is, Nick, I hate to see such a man 
on the road to destruction through his own blind foolishness. 

Nick. Have you never had any suspicions who he is ? 

Paul. Sometimes I think he must be the relative of some 
great man, who is thus able to warn him of danger. 

Nick. Perhaps you may be right. {Rises.) No doubt the 
storm has cleared away by this time. Had we not better go out 
and search for the missing youngster ? 

Paul (rising). That is a good idea, Nick, and we will start 
out at once. 1 sincerely hope we will be able to find him. 

Nick. Let us go then. [^Both exeunt, l. c. 

Enter Martin and Clara, r. 

Martin {both crossing and sitting on bench before fire). 
Then you are glad to have me by your side again, Clara? 

Clara. Oh, Martin, you know I am. If I only knew for a 
positive fact that my cousin was safe, how happy I should be. 

Martin. Have no fear for him, Clara. He knows enough 
to get out of any scrape he may get into. Yet it was a gen- 
erous deed he did when he changed clothes and also places with 
me last night. If it was not for the thought of you, I would 
never have undertaken to make my escape from that hell of 
torment and death ! 

Clara. And have you no suspicion of who it was placed 
the bills in your pocket that night, and then sent information 
to the police which led to your arrest on the charge of being a 
counterfeiter? 

Martin. I haven't the slightest idea in the world. But 
some day I hope to run across him, and when I do 

Clara. What would you do, Martin ? 

Martin. Never mind now, Clara. There is a debt which 
can and must be paid. The life I have led for the last month 
in the prison I shall never forget as long as I live. The only 
satisfaction I can get will be to see the one, who sent me there by 
a false accusation, sent there himself. Then he will know what 
his scheming has caused an innocent man to suffer. {Wildly.) 
My God, Clara, if I was to be there another month, and at the 
same time know I was innocent, I would be a raving maniac. 

Clara. Poor Martin, how you must have suffered. 

Martin. Suffer? The pangs of the damned at the end of 
the world are nothing to what I suffered in that hell on earth. 
But let us change the subject, Clara, and talk of something else. 
It almost drives me mad when I think of what I went through. 



34 



THE GOVERNMENT DETECTIVE 



{Rises.) The storm must be over by this time. Let us go 

out and perhaps we can find some trace of your cousin Edwin. 

Clara. Very well, Martin. \_Both exeiuit, l. c. 

Enter Effie, r. 

Effie (rushing in). Oh, brother Martin {Looks 

around.) Why, he is not here. I wonder where can he be? 
{Sits before fire.) Oh, yes, I know now. He was with Clara 
when he left the other room. They must have gone out to 
look for Clara's cousin Edwin. {Rises.) 1 will get my 
things and join them. I think I owe the young man a greater 
debt of gratitude than any of them. Didn't he save my life at 
the risk of his own ? Strange how he came to be the cousin of 
the girl my brother is going to make his wife. I sincerely hope 
my brother will be happy with Clara. She is such a lovely girl 
that I love her already. And then her cousin is so handsome. 
But I must hurry and get my wraps if I intend to join them in 
the search for the missing young man. \_Exity R. 

Enter Ed., l. c. 

Ed. {ivalking to fireplace). This must be the place I was 
directed to come to after I left the prison last night. {Looks 
around.) Where the devil can they all be ? Strange I haven't 
seen any one around. One thing is certain ; some one lives 
here, for the fire didn't build itself. Perhaps, after all, I have 
struck the wrong place. Whether it's the right or the wrong 
place, I think I will enjoy the benefit of this fire for a while. 
The storm I got mixed up with last night was a holy terror and 
no mistake. Lucky for me the driver knew of that deserted 
cabin by the roadside, otherwise I don't know what would have 
become of us. Guess I will go out and see if I can find any- 
body who belongs here. There were the tracks of many feet 
in the snow outside the door, yet where are they all ? Perhaps 
they have become alarmed when I failed to turn up, and have 
gone in search of me. Well, all that is left for me to do is go 
in search of them. Perhaps I shall run across Martin's lovely 
sister Effie. So here goes. \_Exit, l. c. 

Enter Effie, r. 

Effie. Now I am ready to join in the search for the miss- 



THE GOVERNMENT DETEQTIVE 35 

ing one. How happy I should be if it was my good fortune to 
find him the first. At all events I am going to try. 

\_Exii, R. 
Enter John, l. c. 

John (Jookiiig around cautiously). I don't think there is 
any more of them in at the present time. Curse it, I am nearly 
frozen standing out there in that infernal snow. ( Crosses to R. ) 
I never knew how good a fire felt before! (^Looks aroujid.^ 
So this is the place Martin Jackson came to last night after he 
made his escape from the prison ? And she is here with him. 
Oh, what would I not give if I could only change places with 
Martin Jackson, and listen to the words of love she pours forth 
into his willing ears. But no, it's not to be. (^Savagely.) I 
will have her yet though. I have sworn she shall never become 
the wife of Martin Jackson. 1 think I will take a stroll around, 
and perhaps I may meet her alone. None of them suspect me 
of anything yet, but that man Paul Gray. I fear him, and I 
don't know why. However, he better not cross my path too 
often, or he might find himself out of the way some morning. 

{^Exit, L. c. 
Enter Effie, r. 

Effie (^pouting). Dear me, no sign of any of them. {Sits 
at fireplace.) I wonder what became of them all? It was real 
mean of them to go away and leave me here alone. Not that I 
am afraid, for there is no one within miles of this place but 
ourselves. But then it is the dread of being alone. If I only 
had some one to talk to it wouldn't be half so lonesome. For 
instance if Edwin was only here. 

Ejiter Ed., l. c. 

Ed. I can't find a single {Quickly.) Hello! there 

is my cousin Clara now, talking to herself. She hasn't heard 
me yet. I know what I will do. I will steal up behind her 
and give her a kiss of cousinly greeting. I don't suppose she 
will relish it as much as one she would receive from Martin, 
and I know I would rather be kissing Martin's beautiful sister 
than his intended wife. Well, here goes. 

(^He steals up behind Effie and throws his ar^ns around her 
neck and kisses her. She screatns and Jumps up i?t 
alarm. ) 

Effie. How dare you, sir ? 



36 



THE GOVERNMENT DETECTIVE 



Ed. Holy smoke ! Martin's sister ! 

Effie. Clara's cousin ! {Resumes seat. 

Ed. {Iea7ii7ig ofi back of seat). 1 beg a thousand pardons 
for my rudeness to you just now. 

Effie. For what do you beg my pardon ? 

Ed. For the great liberty 1 took just now in kissing you. 
The fact is I mistook you for my cousin. 

Effie {shyly). And are you sorry I turned out to be the 
wrong girl? Am 1 not just as anxious to be kissed as your 
cousin? 

Ed. I suppose so. I was sure you were offended when you 
screamed. 

Effie. 1 screamed because you took me by surprise. 

Ed. Miss Jackson. 

Effie. Why do you call me Miss Jackson ? Why not call 
me Efhe ? 

Ed. Well, that would hardly be proper. The fact is we 
are almost strangers to each other. 

Effie {quickly). Say not so. How could the man who 
saved my life be a stranger to me? Do you think I am not 
grateful for what you have done? And if you only knew how 

anxious I was when you failed to arrive last night But 

what am I saying? 1 am forgetting myself. 

Ed. Not at all. The words you have just spoken show you 
have a heart. 

Effie {laughing). Why certainly I have a heart. Every 
girl is supposed to be supplied with that useful organ, I believe. 

Ed. 1 believe they are. But as a general thing it is not in 
the right place. 

Effie. Certainly it is not in the right place. How could 
it be when it's on the left side ? 

Ed. {aside). Pretty good for a Denver girl, {Aloud.) A 
truce to all this idle talk. Did your brother and Mr. Gray 
reach here all riglit last night ? 

Effie {rising). Yes, thanks to the noble deed you per- 
formed. {Sincerely.) Believe me, 1 shall remember it until 
my dying day. 

Ed. {aside). I can't stand much of this. {Aloud.) Non- 
sense ! I only did what I thought was right. 

Effie. You acted like a hero. 

Ed. {looking around). Where are all the rest of them ? 

Effie. They became frightened at your absence, and have 
gone in search of you. 



THE GOVERNMENT DETECTIVE 37 

Ed. Indeed ! Then they will have a hard job of it. Let 
Ub go and find tliem. 

Effiio. With pleasure. Come this way and we can head 
them off in front of this place. [Both exeunt j r. 

Enter Martin and Clara, l. c. 

Clara (crossing and sitting before fire') . No sign of my cousin 
yet. WHiat can detain him ? Something must surely have 
happened to him. 

Martlm (standing beside her). Cheer up, Clara. 1 have 
determined to take a desperate step and save the life of your 
cousin ! 

Clara (rising). What do you mean, Martin? 

Martin. I mean that if he is not here within a certain 
time, I will return to the prison and give myself up. By so 
doing they will release Edwin, if they are holding him a pris- 
oner in consequence of having assisted me to escape. 

Clara (clinging to him). Oh, Martin, you shall not go. 

Martin. I have made up my mind, so that nothing can 
change my decision. 

Clara (ivildly). No, no, Martin, you shall not go ! Any- 
thing but to return to that dreadful place. (Cliiigs to him.) 
I will prevent you. Edwin is safe. I am sure of it. (E?itreat- 
ingly.) Say you won't go, Martin. (Kneels.) See, Mar- 
tin, the girl you love kneeling at your feet, and begging you 
not to return to that awful place. Oh, Martin, say you 
won't go ! 

Martin (assisting her to rise). Clara, I have made up my 
mind and I will not change it. By giving myself up the prison 
officials will release Edwin, if he is a prisoner. Once he is at 
liberty and I will take my chances of making my escape again. 

Clara. Oh, Martin, you will break my heart. 

Martin. Do you think I could ever look you in the face 
and at the same time know I won your heart at the cost of your 
cousin's life ? 

Clara. Will nothing prevent you from taking this rash 
step ? 

Martin. Nothing! (Crosses to ^s:..) 

Clara. Where are you going now? 

Martin. To prepare for the journey back to the prison. 
(He crosses to her and embraces her.) Farewell, Clara, until 
next we meet. (He kisses her and exits, R.) 

Clara (wildly). Oh, Martin, don't go ! (Sinks down on 



o8 THE GOVERNMENT DETECTIVE 

bench before the Jire.) They may kill him once they find he 
is in Iheir hands again. {Springs ?//.) I will stop him if I 
possibly can. 

E7iter John, l. c. 

John {standing before her). Stop a moment ! IMiss Arm- 
strong, there is something I wish to say to you. 
Clara. You here, Mr. Arnold ? 

John. Yes, Miss Clara, I am here. Please resume your 
seat. {She sits as before.) There, that is better. Now there 
is something I wish to say to you of great importance. 
Clara. To me, sir ? 
John. Precisely. 

Clara. Well, sir, I am all attention. 

John. Well, in the first place that was a good move your 
friends made when they rescued the young counterfeiter Martin 
Jackson. Unfortunately all did not succeed as it was planned. 
Clara. What do you mean, sir ? 

John. I mean that your cousin has been captured and will 
be a prisoner until the criminal is given up to the officials of 
the prison again. 

Clara. For what will he be held a prisoner ? 
John. For aiding a prisoner to escape from the Colorado 
state prison ! 

Clara. My God ! Can no one release him ? 
John {aside). Now is my chance. {Aloud.) I can and 
' will save him on one condition. 

Clara. Indeed ! And what is it ? 
John. That you become my wife ! 
Clara. Marry you? Never! 

John. But I love you passionately and will make you a 
good and faithful husband ! Remember it is to save the life 
of your cousin, Edwin Ray. 

Clara. I am the promised wife of Martin Jackson. 
John. But he is a counterfeiter ! 

Clara. He has been accused of a crime he never com- 
mitted ! 

John. Then you refuse me ? 
Clara. I most certainly do ! 
John {savagely). Then, girl, prepare to die ! 

(He draws knife from pocket.) 



THE GOVERNMENT DETECTIVE 39 

Clara {rising in alarm). Madman, what would you do ? 

John. I mean to kill you. So prepare to die ! 

Clara (Jji alarm). Kill me ? 

John. Yes, kill you ! I have sworn you shall never be- 
come the wife of Martin Jackson. I will kill you first and then 
myself. 

CYara {calling). Help ! 

John {catching hold of her). Now die ! 

{He raises the knife. ) 

Ed, {dashing windoiv r. c. opeii). Hold on, old man ! I 
am going to take a hand in this game ! 

{Points revolver at John.) 

E7iter Martin, r. 

Martin. Edwin, at last ! 
Ed. You bet ! 

Effie {standing in the open door, l. c). And I am here 
too ! 

Clara ajid John, l. Martin tip r. 

Ed. at window, r. c. 



■ SLOW CURTAIN 
(One week between Acts III and IV.) 



ACT lY 

SCENE. — A plahi room. Doors r. and L. ; large double door 
c. opens ; table and tivo chairs down l. ; sofa down r. ; 
piano np r. ; statues and other brie- a brae around room. 
Music at rise. 

Enter Ed., c. 

Ed. {looking around). Martin and his sisltr Effic liave a 
pretty fine place here. I just left the rest of them admiring 
the pictures of Martin's ancestors in the gallery below. The 
only picture I admired in the entire i)lace was the picture of 
Effie Jackson. Seems to me of late nothing else seems to be 
running through my mind but the name of this beautiful girl. 
That she would be a credit to any man as his wife is wiliiout 
saying. {Sits on sofa.) I wonder what would my Chicago 
friends say if they could only see me now ? 1 supi)Ose they 
would consider me a lucky dog. I would in fact considrr my- 
self one if I could only take back Effie Jackson to Chicago 
with me as my wife. But the question is, can I? Well, all I 
can do is to make a bluff at it and ask her. She can only say 
no, if she won't say yes. 

E?iter Effie, c. 

Effie (coming down^. So this is where I find you, is it? 
Evidently the pictures of my ancestors seem to have but little 
charm for you. {She sits at table.) 

Ed. Not so, Miss Jackson. 1 meant no disrcsi)cc;t to the 
pictures whatever. The fact is I am going to leave Denver and 
return to my home in Chicago. 

Effie. You are going away then ? 

Ed. Yes, indeed ! There is but one thing that can keep 
me in Denver longer than this week. 

Effie. Indeed ! 

Ed. I would never have come here if it hadn't been for my 
health. I think after what I have gone through in Denver, my 
health is fully restored. 

Effie. You have acted the part of a hero while in 
Colorado ! 
40 



THE GOVliRNMtNT DETECTIVE 4I 

Ed. Nonsense ! 

Effie. It is the truth. But for you my brother would now 
be in the Jefferson prison, instead of being under the sheher 
of his own roof. 

Ed, Strange, was it not, that on the very day we smuggled 
your brother into Denver, that he should have received a par- 
don from the governor of the state ? 

Effie. I have strongly suspected that Mr. Gray had a 
hand in getting the governor to pardon Martin. 

Ed. And so have I. 

Effie. I would really like to know who this Mr. Gray is. 
To me he is a man of mystery. 

Ed. Sometimes I think he is more than the simple Paul 
Gray, retired banker. 

Effie. 1 have also thought the same on more than one 
occasion. 

Ed. In other words you think he is some one closely con- 
nected with the government? 

Effie. I do. 

Ed, At all events the man is a mystery and we will have to 
leave him as he is. 

Effie. And yet he has proposed to Mrs. Marston, and has 
been accepted. 

Ed. Oh, he might easily do that, if he wanted to discover 
some plot. 

Effie, Yes, that is true enough. 

Ed. And as for marrying Mrs. Marston, I don't believe he 
ever intends to. 

Effie. What became of John Arnold after you let him go 
that day in the mountains? 

Ed. I don't know. Nick Morton, the detective, told me 
he ran across him last night, here in the streets of Denver. 

Effie, Indeed ! But do you really think he intended to 
kill your cousin Clara? 

Ed, No ! I think he intended to frighten her more than 
anything else, so that she would consent to marry him. 
{Rises.') But time passes. I have some business to attend to. 
You know I leave for Chicago in the morning. 

Effie (risifn^). Then you really mean to go ? 

Ed. I do. 

Effie. But you said there was one thing that might still 
keep you in Denver, What is it? 

Ed. Do you really wish to know, Effie? 



^2 THE GOVERNMEMT DETECTIVE 

Effie. Yes. 

El). That one object is yourself! 

Effie. 1 ? 

I'^D. Yes, you. I love you honestly and truly, Effie 
Jackson, and want you to become my wife. What is your 
answer? 

Effie (cross ins;- and placing her arms around his neck'). 
Til is. {She kisses him.) 

El). My darling ! 

Effie (shyly). And you w^on't leave for Chicago in the 
morning ? 

Ed. Not for ten years. Let us go now and tell the good 
news to the rest of them. 

Effie. With all my heart. [^Both exeunt, r. 

Enter Nick, c. 

Nick (looking around). No one here. They told me Mr. 
Gray was in this room waiting for me. I don't see any sign of 
him around. I think I will wait for him. (Listens.) Some 
one is coming. A woman evidently by the rustle of her skirts. 
I don't want to meet any women. (Looks around.) Where 
can I go? I might overhear something and at the same time 
meet the captain when he comes. I will go in here and wait. 

[^Exit, L. 

Enter Lauka, c. 

Laura (sitting on sofa). To-night or never I must find out 
if the banker intends to make me his wife. All hope of ever 
winning Martin Jackson to my side has left my mind. 
(Passionately.) And yet, my God, how I love him! How 
strange I feel to-night. (Shudders.) Can anything — (lightly) 
pshaw ! I am growing nervous over trifles. And yet if the 
worst comes to the worst, this will soon end all my troubles in 
this world forever. (Draws glass phial from her pocket and 
looks at it.) One drop of this and all will be over. (To the 
phial.) You are a small object and can easily be broken, and 
yet your power is greater than all earthly monarchs. 

(Replaces phial in her pocket.) 

Enter John, r. 

John (calling softly). Laura. 
Laura. John, you here ? 



THE GOVERNMENT DETECTIVE 43 

John {coolly). As you see, my dear sister. 
{Stands in front of her.') 

Laura. Are you not afraid to be found in this house after 
the way you have treated Martin and his future wife, Clara 
Armstrong ? 

John. Why should I ? They know nothing. 

Laura. Very true. But they might learn. 

John. What good will it do them ? They can prove noth- 
ing. No one besides yourself knows that it was John Arnold 
that placed the counterfeit bills in the pocket of Martin Jack- 
son's coat. I was sure of getting him out of the way in order 
to have the Chicago girl all to myself. But somehow or other 
things haven't gone just right. Once Martin was in prison I 
was sure of preventing his friends from seeing him. I wrote to 
Alexander Adams, telling him to prevent any one from seeing 
the prisoner. x'\s a member of Captain Bodldn's band he was 
bound to obey me I 

Laura. As you are the leader of the band he certainly 
was. 

John {in alarm). Hush! don't say that here. Walls have 
ears, you know. 

Laura {looking around). Nonsense ! You are growing 
nervous. There is no one in sound of our voices. 

John. That may be true enough. Still it will do no harm 
to be careful. 

Laura. What answer did Alexander make to your request ? 

John. He said it was impossible to do so. 

Laura. Imj^ossible ? 

John. Yes, impossible. 

Laura. And why? 

John. Because he had already received a letter from Paul 
Gray, which was signed by the governor of the state, directing 
him to allow the prisoner to see all his friends that would visit 
the prison for that purpose. 

Laura. Paul Gray again ? 

John. Yes, the same old chap again. If I was a bit super- 
stitious I would look upon the man as my nemesis. However, 
my dear sister, I must congratulate you on the very mysterious 
gentleman you are going to have for a husband. 

Laura. I haven't married him yet. 

John. No, nor I don't think you ever will. 

Laura. What do you mean, John? 



44 



THE GOVERNMENT DETECTIVE 



John. Nothing, Laura, simply nothing. But take my ad- 
vice and find out what he intends to do. 

Laura. I mean to. 

John. And what will you do if he declines to make you 
his wife ? 

Laura. I will have him arrested as a counterfeiter. 

John. How do you know he is one ? 

Laura. He confessed himself one the night he asked me to 
become his wife. 

John. Good ! Then instead of one man going to prison 
from this house to-night, there will be two ! 

Laura. What do you mean by two? 

John. I mean I have not yet given up all hope of winning 
the Chicago girl. To-night I will publicly accuse Martin Jack- 
son of being a counterfeiter, and the notorious leader, Captain 
Bodkin ! Once he is out of my way I will lose no tmie in 
making Clara Armstrong my wife. 

Laura. What if she still refuses? 

John. What do I care for her refusal ? I tell you, Laura, I 
am growing desperate. She must and shall become my wife. 

Laura. Let us retire for a while and at the right time have 
the police here to make the double arrest. 

John. Very well. I will write a note and send it to the 
police at once. Come, Laura. [Both exeunt^ R. 

Enter Nick, l. 

Nick {looking after thcni). Well, if they are not the two 
precious ones we have been after for over three years. 
And to think we never suspected him of being the head, and, 
in fact, none other than Bodkin himself. No wonder we had a 
sharp pair to deal witli. No one for a moment would suspect 
the beautiful young widow, Mrs. Laura Marston, of being such 
a desperate criminal. And she is going to denounce to the 
police Paul Gray if he refuses to marry her. I wonder in what 
part of the house the captain is ? 

Enter Paul, c. 

Paul. I am here, Nick. 

Nick. And you have heard ? 

Paul. I have heard everything. {Sits on sofa.) 
Nick {sitting at ta/?/e). And what are you going to do with 
them ? 



THE GOVERNMENT DETECTIVE 45 

Paul. I am going to let them carry out their schemes so far 
and no farther. At the proper time I will arrest them. You, 
Nick, remain near at hand so that you can make prisoners of 
John and his sister. Keep a close eye on John, for he might 
suspect something was wrong and give us the slip. 

Nick. Have no fear, I will keep an eye on him and my 
hand too. 

Paul. I will attend to Mrs. Marston myself. 

Nick. Very well, captain. 

Paul. The day of reckoning is close at hand, and my old 
friend, Alexander Adams, I won't forget either. Tjie govern- 
ment never forgets a counterfeiter, eh, Nick ? 

Nick. Never, captain ! 

Paul. Leave me now, Nick. I wish to be alone. Above 
all keep a good watch on John, and don't let him escape what- 
ever you do. 

Nick {rising). Never fear, captain. When John Arnold 
leaves this house to-night it will be as my prisoner. [^Exif, c. 

Paul. To think I never suspected John Arnold and his 
sister before is what makes me angry. True, I thought by pro- 
posing to Laura I might learn something that would be of some 
benefit to me. And you can bet I have. I never had any in- 
tention of making her my wife. After this the best thing I can 
do is to suspect every one and trust no one. 

Enter Laura, r. 

Laura. Ah, Paul, is it here I find you ? {Sits at table.) 

Paul. As you see, Mrs. Marston. 

Laura. Mrs. Marston ? Why use this strange name, Paul ? 
Formerly you called me Laura ! 

Paul. Did I? 

Laura. You certainly did. You remember the night you 
asked me to be your wife and I consented, 1 gave you per- 
mission to call me by my Christian name. Have you forgotten 
the night I speak of? 

Paul. No, seeing there is no reason for my doing so. 

Laura. How strange you speak this evening. What is the 
meaning of it ? Do you not intend to keep your promise and 
make me your wife ? 

Paul (coolly). Such, madam, is my intention. I have 
changed my mind and decline to form any alliance with you. 

Laura (jumping up). You shall suffer for this. I have 



46 THE GOVERNMENT DETECTIVE 

powerful friends, and they shall see that this insult shall not go 
unpunished. 

Paul {coolly). Very well, madam, appeal to your friends. 
I shall give them all the satisfaction they want. 

Laura {walking up and down). You shall hear from my 
brother John for this. 

Paul. Certainly, madam. I prefer to argue the question 
with him above all others. 

Laura {furiously). I will denounce you to the police as a 
counterfeiter and have you thrown into prison. 

Paul. You can prove nothing, my dear madam. 

Laura. I can prove everything. You confessed to me 
yourself that you had made all your wealth dealing in counter- 
feit money. 

Paul. My dear madani, you should at once go on the stage. 
As an actress requiring emotional talent you would completely 
fill the bill. 

Laura {savagely). Oh, you devil, it's your time to laugh 
now. But when next we meet it will be mine. [Exit, c. 

Paul {rising). You beautiful devil, when next we do meet 
it will be for the last time outside the walls of a prison. Now 
to see what the rest of them are doing. \^Exit, r. 

Enter James, Martin and Clara, c. 

James {sitting on sofa). I wonder what became of Edwin? 
I haven't seen him since he left the i)icture gallery a while ago. 

Martin. No, nor I haven't seen Effie since he left the gal- 
lery either. {Laughs.) 1 noticed he wasn't gone long when 
she followed him. {Sits at table.) 

Clara {laughifig). You don't suspect anything, do you? 

{She sits R. of table.) 

Martin. It's not necessary for me to suspect anything. 
I know my sister is in love with your cousin, and what is more 
I know your cousin is in love with my sister. 

Clara. A fair exchange is no robbery, you know. 

{Laughs.) 

Martin. You are right. And there is no one I would 
rather see my sister's husband than Edwin. He is all that is 
noble and generous. 

James. You may well say that, Martin. The boy is a 



THE GOVERNMENT DETECTIVE 47 

credit to any nation, and God knows I love him the same as if 
he was my own son instead of my nephew. You can never 
know how I felt that night in the mountin cabin when he failed 
to appear. 

Martin. It was a lucky thing for me that Edwin appeared 
when he did, as I had just made up my mind to return to the 
prison and give myself up, and thus release Edwin if they held 
him a prisoner for aiding me to escape. 

James. Such a case would simply have been madness. 

Clara. I told him so at the time, but he wouldn't listen 
to me. 

James. Have you never had any suspicion who it was that 
placed the counterfeit bills in your pocket that night at the 
home of Mrs. Marston ? 

Martin. No. All those present that evening were friends, 
and have proved themselves such with the exception of one of 
them. 

James. One of them, Martin ? 

Martin. Yes, one of them. 

Clara. Which one of them is it ? 

Martin. John Arnold I 

Clara {with a shudder). Don't mention his name again, 
Martin. 1 shall never forget what occurred that morning in 
the mountains, and God only knows what might have hap- 
pened if it hadn't been for the timely arrival of Edwin. 

Martin. If 1 had been in Edwin's place John Arnold would 
never have left that room alive. But then Edwin and I are two 
different persons. 

Clara. We must all learn to forgive and forget. 

Martin. That is true enough. I have it. Why didn't I 
think of it before ? 

James. What is the matter, Martin ? 

Clara. What excites you, dear? 

Martin {jumping up). I have good reason to be. At last 
I have found the one who placed the bills in my pocket that 
night ! 

James. You have? 

Martin. I have ! Fool that I am not to have suspected it 
before. 

Clara. Who is the person you suspect, Martin ? 

Martin, John Arnold is the man. 

James. John Arnold ? 

Martin. Yes, John Arnold and no other. 



4.8 THE GOVERNMENT DETECTIVE 

Clara. But you have no proof of his guilt. 

Martin. I don't need any proof. 1 have all I want. You 
remember when 1 went to the supper table I left my overcoat 
hanging up in the entrance. While at the supper table you 
remember John excused himself and left the room for a while. 
What would have been easier than to have slipped the bills 
into my overcoat pocket, and then send word to the police ? 
Of course when they came the coat was searched, the bills 
found, and I was arrested for being a counterfeiter. 

Clara. Yes, Martin, I know. But don't forget Mr. Gray 
also excused himself from the table that night, and left the 
room. Might he not have placed the bills in your pocket ? 

Martin. No. Mr. Gray left the room after John did, and 
besides the man has proved himself too good a friend in the 
hour of need to suspect him. No, John Arnold is the one 
who placed the bills there. I am sure of it ! But unfortu- 
nately we have no proof of his guilt. 

Clara. What could have been his motive in doing such a 
deed? 

Martin. That is more than I can tell. 

James. And what if your suspicions prove true, Martin ? 
What action will you take against him? 

Martin. I will do nothing. There was a time while I 
was a prisoner I thought that if I could only place my hand 
on the neck of the man who sent me there I would surely 
strangle him ! But now I am satisfied to let the law take its 
course. 

Clara. Poor Martin, how you must have suffered ! 

Martin, You may well say so. I would rather be dead 
than again be a prisoner there. 

James. I don't blame you, my boy. 

Martin. But let us talk of something else. 

jEnfer Ed. a/id Effie, c. 

Ed. Yes, talk about me. 

(Effie sta7ids at Martin's side.") 

Martin. Edwin and my sister. 

Ed. You bet. You can't lose me in Denver. 

Clara. Where have you been all evening, Edwin ? 

Ed. {coming dow?i to Clara). Look here, sis, you will 



V 



THE GOVERNMENT DETECTIVE 49 

have to quit talking to me like that. My future wife don't 
like it, and neither do I ! 

All {in surprise). Your future wife ? 

Ed. Yes, my future wife. 

Clara. What do you mean, Edwin ? 

Ed. (coolly). I mean that I intend to make Effie Jackson 
the future Mrs. Edwin Ray. 

Martin. My sister. 

Ed. Well, she holds that relationship to you at the present 
time, but she will soon be my wife. 

Martin {to his sister). Is that right, Effie ? 

Effie {shyly). Yes, Martin. 

Martin. And do you love him well enough to marry him ? 

Effie {holding down her head). I do. 

(She crosses and stands beside Clara who rises and kisses 
her,) 

Martin. Then you can have him. I don't know of any 
one more worthy of her than you are, Edwin. Take her and 
be happy. 

Ed. {shaking hands with him). Thank you, Martin. 

Martin {to the girls). Are you satisfied now, Effie? 

Effie {bashfully). More than satisfied, Martin. 

Ed. {slapping his tmcle on the shoulder). Are you not sur- 
prised, old man ? 

James. Not at all. My dear boy, there is nothing in the 
world that you can do that would surprise me for a moment. 
I am too well used to you. 

Ed. I suppose so. 

James. It's a fact, I assure you. 

Ed. I haven't the slightest doubt of it. However, my 
days of surprising you are over. I intend to settle down and 
become a decent member of society. 

James. I trust so for the sake of the future Mrs. Ray. 

Ed. You will see if I don't. 

Enter John, q., followed by Nick. 

All. John Arnold ! 

Martin. How dare you come where you are not wanted ? 
Leave this house at once. 

Enter Paul, r., and stands listening. 



50 THE GOVERNMENT DETECTIVE 

John. When I leave this house you will go with me as a 
prisoner. 

Enter Laura, l. 

Martin. What do you mean, John Arnold ? 

John {coolly). I accuse you of being Captain Bodkin, the 
great counterfeiter ! 

Martin. It's a lie. You will have to prove what you say. 

John. I can and will prove what I say. 

Paul {coming down to group). Very well, John, I wish 
you would. 

Laura. And I accuse this man of being his confederate ! 

All. a counterfeiter ! 

Laura. Yes, a counterfeiter. 

Paul {looki?ig aroufid). Good ! All the characters are 
present for the closing scenes in this drama of life. Listen all 
of you and I will tell you a short story that will amuse and at 
the same time astonish some of you. Before I go any further 
I wish to state to those of you who may wish to escape, at the 
end of the story, that the house is surrounded by police. Now 
for the story. Some five years ago a strange band of counter- 
feiters was formed under the leadership of a man known as 
Captain Bodkin. Their object was to counterfeit the money 
of the United States. The counterfeit money dealt in by this 
band was done in such an expert manner that it could hardly 
be distinguished from the genuine article. The poHce and 
members of the secret service bureau were baffled. I was in 
England at the time and the government sent for me. I came 
back to America and after four years of hard labor, I have 
been successful in my task. I now know you, John Arnold, as 
the mysterious Captain Bodkin of the counterfeiters' league, 
and your sister as your accomplice. I proposed marriage to 
your sister, not because I intended to keep my word, but in 
order to find out all I could. 

John. Who are you ? 

Paul. To you all I am known as Paul Gray, the banker. 
My right name is Capt. Wilbur Foster, of the United States 
Secret Service bureau ! {To Nick.) Remove the prisoners ! 

Laura {placing hand in her bosom and withdrawing glass 
phial). I will baffle you all yet ! 

Paul. Stop her ! 

Laura. Too late ! 



THE GOVERNMENT DETECTIVE 5^ 

{She swallows contents of phial and falls to the stage.) 

Martin Qyendlng over her). She is dead ! 
Paul. She died as she has lived ! 

Nick and John, c. 

Martin on his knees beside James, Ed. and 

Laura, l. Paul, r. c. 

Effie and Clara, l. 



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